Paul Makonda, the regional commissioner for the port city of Dar es Salaam, last week announced the creation of a committee to monitor and punish gay individuals in the country.

"Report them to me," Makonda he said in a television interview, according to NPR. He added that "from next Monday, we start arresting them."

NPR reported that he also said last week that "being gay is not allowed."

"As we take this stand, do not tell us about human rights," he said. "There is no right to go against creation written on any religious books. Keep your laws. Being gay is not allowed here in Dar es Salaam."